Heated hose electrical connectors

ABSTRACT

An electrical connector system for use with independently heated hoses includes a first electrical connector, a second electrical connector, a third electrical connector, and a fourth electrical connector. The first electrical connector includes a first key that mates with a second key of the second electrical connector. The third electrical connector includes a third key that mates with a fourth key of the fourth electrical connector. The first and second keys differ from the third and fourth keys, ensuring the electrical connectors are correctly connected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.63/202,365 filed Jun. 8, 2021 for “HEATED HOSE ELECTRICAL CONNECTORS,”are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to electrical connectors, andmore particularly to keyed electrical connectors used with electricallyheated hoses of a plural component (e.g. fluid) dispensing system.

Multiple component (e.g., fluid) applicators include dispensing systemsthat receive separate inert material components, mix the componentsaccording to a predetermined ratio, and then dispense the components asan activated compound. For example, multiple component applicators areoften used to dispense epoxies and polyurethanes that solidify aftermixing of a resin component and an activating component, which areindividually inert. Some dispensing systems include electrically heatedhoses that increase the temperature of the material components flowingthrough each hose to a desired temperature, ensuring a proper activatedmixture is achieved. The electrically heated hoses include electricalconnectors that are used to electrically couple each heated hose segmentto an electrical power source. Incorrectly connecting the electricalconnectors can result in a decreased amount of electrical currentsupplied to the heated hoses, resulting in decreased performance of theelectrically heated hoses.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, an electrical connectorsystem includes a first electrical connector, a second electricalconnector, and third electrical connector, and a fourth electricalconnector. The first electrical connector includes a first key. Thesecond electrical connector includes a second key shaped to mate withthe first key. The third electrical connector includes a third key. Thefourth electrical connector includes a fourth key shaped to mate withthe third key. The geometry of the first key differs from the geometryof the third key, and the geometry of the second key differs from thegeometry of the fourth key.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a heated hose assemblyincludes a first heated hose, a second heated hose, a first electricalconnector, a second electrical connector, and third electricalconnector, and a fourth electrical connector. The first heated hose isconfigured to transfer a first fluid component. The second heated hoseis configured to transfer a second fluid component. The first electricalconnector is electrically coupled to heating elements of the firstheated hose, and the first electrical connector includes a first key.The second electrical connector is electrically coupled to heatingelements of the first heated hose, and the second electrical connectorincludes a second key shaped to mate with the first key. The thirdelectrical connector is electrically coupled to heating elements of thesecond heated hose, and the third electrical connector includes a thirdkey. The fourth electrical connector is electrically coupled to heatingelements of the second heated hose, and the fourth electrical connectorincludes a fourth key shaped to mate with the third key.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a method of operatinga heated hose assembly is disclosed. The method includes: providing afirst heated hose configured to transfer a first fluid component, thefirst heated hose comprising a first electrical connector and a secondelectrical connector each electrically coupled to heating elements ofthe first heated hose; providing a second heated hose configured totransfer a second fluid component, the second heated hose comprising athird electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector eachelectrically coupled to heating elements of the second heated hose;electrically coupling the first electrical connector to the secondelectrical connector such that a first key of the first electricalconnector mates with a second key of the second electrical connector;electrically coupling the third electrical connector to the fourthelectrical connector such that a third key of the third electricalconnector mates with a fourth key of the fourth electrical connector;supplying a first electric current through the first electricalconnector and the second electrical connector to increase a temperatureof the first fluid component transferring through the first heated hose;and supplying a second electric current through the third electricalconnector and the fourth electrical connector to increase a temperatureof the second fluid component transferring through the second heatedhose.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a heated hose assembly including anelectrical connector system.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a first electrical connector.

FIG. 2B is a front view of the first electrical connector.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a second electrical connector.

FIG. 3B is a front view of the second electrical connector.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the first and second electricalconnectors disconnected.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the first and second electricalconnectors connected.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a third electrical connector.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the third electrical connector.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a fourth electrical connector.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the fourth electrical connector.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the third and fourth electricalconnectors disconnected.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the third and fourth electricalconnectors connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of heated hose assembly 10 includingelectrical connector system 12. Heated hose assembly 10 includes firstheated hose 14, second heated hose 16, and electrical connector system12. In some examples, heated hose assembly 10 can be used with multiplecomponent dispensing systems that receive separate inert materialcomponents, mix the components according to a predetermined ratio, andthen dispense the components as an activated compound. Heated hoseassembly 10 includes electrically heated hoses that are configured toincrease the temperature of the material components flowing through eachhose, ensuring a proper activated mixture is achieved.

More specifically, first heated hose 14 and second heated hose 16 areconfigured to transfer a first fluid component and a second fluidcomponent, respectively, the first and second fluid components can bedifferent from each other. First heated hose 14 and second heated hose16 are independently heated hoses that receive separate electrical power(e.g. electrical current) at the heating elements (e.g. wires) of eachheated hose 14, 16 to heat each hose independently from the other hose.In some examples, the heating elements can be one or more copper wireswrapped around each of first heated hose 14 and second heated hose 16.Independently heating first heated hose 14 and second heated hose 16allows a greater power density to be achieved, providing increasedheating capabilities for each of first heated hose 14 and second heatedhose 16. Electrical connector system 12 is coupled to first heated hose14 and second heated hose 16. Electrical connector system 12 isconfigured to electrically couple the heating elements of each heatedhose segment to an electrical power source.

Electrical connector system 12 includes first electrical connector 18,second electrical connector 20, third electrical connector 22, andfourth electrical connector 24. First electrical connector 18 iselectrically coupled to heating elements 14 a of first heated hose 14.Second electrical connector 20 is electrically coupled to heatingelements 14 a of first heated hose 14. Third electrical connector 22 iselectrically coupled to heating elements 16 a of second heated hose 16.Fourth electrical connector 24 is electrically coupled to heatingelements 16 a of second heated hose 16. In some examples, firstelectrical connector 18, second electrical connector 20, and heatingelements 14 a can be referred to as the first sub-assembly of heatedhose assembly 10. Further, in some examples, third electrical connector22, fourth electrical connector 24, and heating elements 16 a can bereferred to as the second sub-assembly of heated hose assembly 10. Thefirst and second sub-assemblies of heated hose assembly 10 areconfigured to increase the temperature of the fluid components flowingthrough first heated hose 14 and second heated hose 16, respectively.

First electrical connector 18 is a male connector and second electricalconnector 20 is a female connector, and first electrical connector 18 isconfigured to mate and connect with second electrical connector 20.Third electrical connector 22 is a male connector and fourth electricalconnector 24 is a female connector, and third electrical connector 22 isconfigured to mate and connect with fourth electrical connector 24.

More specifically, both first electrical connector 18 and secondelectrical connector 20 include dual male/female connections. Firstelectrical connector 18 includes an inner female connector positioned ata central axis of first electrical connector 18 and an outer maleconnector positioned radially outward from the inner female connector.Second electrical connector 20 includes an inner male connectorpositioned at a central axis of second electrical connector 20 and anouter female connector positioned radially outward from the inner maleconnector. As such, the inner female connector of first electricalconnector 18 is configured to mate with the inner male connector ofsecond electrical connector 20. The outer male connector of firstelectrical connector 18 is configured to mate with the outer femaleconnector of second electrical connector 20. In some examples, the firstmale/female connection can be structural (e.g., inner male connector ofsecond electrical connector 20 and inner female connector of firstelectrical connector 18) and the second male/female connection can beelectrical (e.g., outer female connector of second electrical connector20 and outer male connector of first electrical connector 18).

Likewise, both third electrical connector 22 and fourth electricalconnector 24 include dual male/female connections. Third electricalconnector 22 includes an inner female connector positioned at a centralaxis of third electrical connector 22 and an outer male connectorpositioned radially outward from the inner female connector. Fourthelectrical connector 24 includes an inner male connector positioned at acentral axis of fourth electrical connector 24 and an outer femaleconnector positioned radially outward from the inner male connector. Assuch, the inner female connector of third electrical connector 22 isconfigured to mate with the inner male connector of fourth electricalconnector 24. The outer male connector of third electrical connector 22is configured to mate with the outer female connector of fourthelectrical connector 24. In some examples, the third male/femaleconnection can be structural (e.g., outer female connector of fourthelectrical connector 24 and outer male connector of third electricalconnector 22) and the fourth male/female connection can be electrical(e.g., inner male connector of fourth electrical connector 24 and innerfemale connector of third electrical connector 22).

In the embodiment shown, first heated hose 14 includes two of each offirst electrical connector 18 and second electrical connector 20.Likewise, second heated hose 16 includes two of each of third electricalconnector 22 and fourth electrical connector 24. In another embodiment,heated hoses 14, 16 can include more or less than two of each ofelectrical connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24. Each of the electricalconnectors 18, 20, 22, and 24 are configured to be coupled to a matingconnector to transfer electrical current from a power source to eitherfirst heated hose 14 or second heated hose 16.

As shown in FIG. 1 , heated hose assembly 10 can include a plurality ofheated hose segments that are connected to increase the overall lengthof first heated hose 14 and second heated hose 16. This allows a user todispense the activated fluid component mixture at a location remote fromthe fluid component containers. Each of first heated hose 14 and secondheated hose 16 includes fluid connectors at the distal ends of each hose14, 16, fluidly coupling each hose segment to another hose segment toprovide a flow path for the first fluid component and the second fluidcomponent. Further, each of first heated hose 14 and second heated hose16 include electrical connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24, electricallycoupling each hose segment to another hose segment to allow electriccurrent to transfer through each of the hose segments.

More specifically, one segment of first heated hose 14 includes firstelectrical connector 18 and another segment of first heated hose 14includes second electrical connector 20. First electrical connector 18and second electrical connector 20 are configured to mate andelectrically connect, allowing electric current to transfer from onesegment of first heated hose 14 to another segment of first heated hose14. Similarly, one segment of second heated hose 16 includes thirdelectrical connector 22 and another segment of second heated hose 16includes fourth electrical connector 24. Third electrical connector 22and fourth electrical connector 24 are configured to mate andelectrically connect, allowing electric current to transfer from onesegment of second heated hose 16 to another segment of second heatedhose 16. As such, electrical connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24 ensureelectric current is transferred to each segment of first heated hose 14and second heated hose 16 to increase the temperature of first heatedhose 14 and second heated hose 16.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of first electrical connector 18. FIG. 2Bis a front view of first electrical connector 18. FIG. 3A is aperspective view of second electrical connector 20. FIG. 3B is a frontview of second electrical connector 20. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectionalview of first electrical connector 18 and second electrical connector 20disconnected. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of first electricalconnector 18 and second electrical connector 20 connected. FIGS. 2A-4Bwill be discussed together.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, first electrical connector 18 includes firstbody 30, first flange 32, first key 34, first threaded insert 36, secondthreaded insert 38, first end face 40, first seal 42, first metallicconnector 44, and first aperture 46. First body 30 is the main bodyportion of first electrical connector 18 that the other components offirst electrical connector 18 are coupled. First flange 32 is positionedadjacent first body 30 and first flange 32 extends radially outward fromfirst body 30. First flange 32 includes apertures extending throughfirst flange 32, in which first threaded insert 36 and second threadedinsert 38 are positioned. First threaded insert 36 and second threadedinsert 38 are configured to accept and mate with fasteners, discussedfurther below. First threaded insert 36 is positioned 180 degrees fromsecond threaded insert 38 about first axis 48. In some examples, firstthreaded insert 36 and second threaded insert 38 can be molded intofirst flange 32 during manufacturing of first electrical connector 18.In other examples, first threaded insert 36 and second threaded insert38 can be coupled to first flange 32 after manufacturing of firstelectrical connector 18.

First key 34 is positioned adjacent first flange 32 and first key 34extends axially outward from first flange 32 and first body 30, withrespect to first axis 48 extending through a center of first flange 32and first body 30. First key 34 is generally cylindrical in shape andincludes first cutout 50 and second cutout 52 extending from first endface 40 of first key 34 to first flange 32. In the example shown, firstcutout 50 and second cutout 52 include an arc or partial circle shapedcutout extending into the cylindrically shaped first key 34. In anotherexample, first cutout 50 and second cutout 52 can have any desiredshape, as long as first cutout 50 and second cutout 52 have identicalshaped geometry. First cutout 50 is positioned 180 degrees from secondcutout 52 about first axis 48. First end face 40 of first key 34 ispositioned at a distal end of first key 34. First seal 42 is positionedadjacent the location in which first key 34 interfaces with first flange32 and first seal 42 surrounds a circumference of first key 34. Firstseal 42 is configured to prevent debris from entering first electricalconnector 18 when first electrical connector 18 is connected to secondelectrical connector 20. In the example shown, first seal 42 is anO-ring seal, but in another example, first seal 42 can be any componentthat prevents debris from entering first electrical connector 18 whenfirst electrical connector 18 is connected to second electricalconnector 20.

First end face 40 is configured to cover first metallic connector 44,preventing a user from touching first metallic connector 44. Firstmetallic connector 44 is a female connector positioned within first body30 and first key 34 of first electrical connector 18. First metallicconnector 44 is the component that electrically couples first electricalconnector 18 to second electrical connector 20, allowing electriccurrent to transfer between each connector 18, 20. A user touching firstmetallic connector 44 and second metallic connector 64 of secondelectrical connector 20 at the same time can result in an electricalcircuit being completed, which could shock or harm the user. As such,first end face 40 is configured to prevent the user from touching firstmetallic connector 44 and harming themselves during connecting ordisconnecting of first electrical connector 18 and second electricalconnector 20. First aperture 46 is axially aligned with first axis 48and first aperture 46 extends through first end face 40. First aperture46 allows access to first metallic connector 44, allowing secondmetallic connector 64 of second electrical connector 20 to interfacewith first metallic connector 44, discussed further below. Firstelectrical connector 18 is configured to mate with second electricalconnector 20 to complete an electrical circuit, allowing electriccurrent to transfer from first electrical connector 18 to secondelectrical connector 20. Further, first electrical connector 18 issymmetric about a plane extending through a center axis of firstthreaded insert 36 and a center axis of second threaded insert 38,allowing first electrical connector 18 to be rotated 180 degrees aboutfirst axis 48 and still mate and couple with second electrical connector20.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B, second electrical connector 20 includes secondbody 54, second flange 56, second key 58, first fastener 60, secondfastener 62, second metallic connector 64, and second aperture 66.Second body 54 is the main body portion of second electrical connector20 that the other components of second electrical connector 20 arecoupled. Second flange 56 is positioned adjacent second body 54 andsecond flange 56 extends radially outward from second body 54. Secondflange 56 includes apertures extending through second flange 56, inwhich first fastener 60 and second fastener 62 are positioned. Firstfastener 60 and second fastener 62 are configured to mate with firstthreaded insert 36 and second threaded insert 38 of first electricalconnector 18, respectively. First fastener 60 is positioned 180 degreesfrom second fastener 62 about second axis 68.

Second key 58 is positioned within second flange 56 and second body 54.More specifically, second key 58 extends axially inward into secondflange 56 and second body 54, with respect to second axis 68 extendingthrough a center of second flange 56 and second body 54. Second key 58is generally cylindrical in shape and includes first protrusion 70 andsecond protrusion 72 extending inward toward second axis 68. In theexample shown, first protrusion 70 and second protrusion 72 include anarc or partial circle shaped protrusion extending inward from thecylindrically shaped second key 58. In another example, first protrusion70 and second protrusion 72 can have any desired shape, as long as firstprotrusion 70 and second protrusion 72 have identical shaped geometry.First protrusion 70 is positioned 180 degrees from second protrusion 72about second axis 68.

Second aperture 66 is axially aligned with second axis 68 and secondaperture 66 extends into second body 54. Second aperture 66 provides alocation in which second metallic connector 64 can be coupled. Secondmetallic connector 64 is a male connector positioned within secondaperture 66 of second body 54 and second key 58 of second electricalconnector 20. Second metallic connector 64 is the component thatelectrically couples second electrical connector 20 to first electricalconnector 18, allowing electric current to transfer between eachconnector. More specifically, second metallic connector 64 of secondelectrical connector 20 is inserted into first metallic connector 44 offirst electrical connector 18 to complete an electric circuit and totransfer electric current between first electrical connector 18 andsecond electrical connector 20. Second electrical connector 20 isconfigured to mate with and be coupled to first electrical connector 18during operation of heated hose assembly 10, discussed further below.Further, second electrical connector 20 is symmetric about a planeextending through a center axis of first fastener 60 and a center axisof second fastener 62, allowing second electrical connector 20 to berotated 180 degrees about second axis 68 and still mate and couple withfirst electrical connector 18.

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, first electrical connector 18 is showndisconnected from second electrical connector 20 (FIG. 4A) and firstelectrical connector 18 is shown connected to second electricalconnector 20 (FIG. 4B). When first electrical connector 18 isdisconnected from second electrical connector 20, the features and/orcomponents of first electrical connector 18 are separated from secondelectrical connector 20 such that no electrical current is transferringbetween the connectors. When first electrical connector 18 is connectedto second electrical connector 20, the features and/or components offirst electrical connector 18 are contacting the features and/orcomponents of second electrical connector 20 such that electricalcurrent can transfer between the connectors.

More specifically, when first electrical connector 18 and secondelectrical connector 20 are connected, first flange 32 is adjacent andabuts second flange 56. First fastener 60 is inserted into and securedto first threaded insert 36 and second fastener 62 is inserted into andsecured to second threaded insert 38. Securing fasteners 60, 62 tothreaded inserts 36, 38 ensures that first electrical connector 18 andsecond electrical connector 20 will remain secured together duringoperation of heated hose assembly 10. First seal 42 is positioned andcompressed between first flange 32 and second flange 56, producing aforce that pushes first flange 32 and second flange 56 away from eachother. The force produced by first seal 42 causes first fastener 60 andsecond fastener 62 to become tensioned, ensuring first fastener 60 andsecond fastener 62 remain secured to first threaded insert 36 and secondthreaded insert 38, respectively.

Further, when first electrical connector 18 and second electricalconnector 20 are connected, first metallic connector 44 slides over andengages second metallic connector 64 such that first metallic connector44 encompasses second metallic connector 64. The engagement of firstmetallic connector 44 and second metallic connector 64 creates anelectric path, allowing electric current to transfer from firstelectrical connector 18 to second electrical connector 20, or viceversa. To ensure first electrical connector 18 is properly connected tosecond electrical connector 20, first key 34 is shaped to mate withsecond key 58 and first key 34 is inserted into second key 58. Morespecifically, first cutout 50 of first electrical connector 18 is shapedto accept first protrusion 70 of second electrical connector 20.Likewise, second cutout 52 of first electrical connector 18 is shaped toaccept second protrusion 72 of second electrical connector 20.

The geometry of first cutout 50 is identical to second cutout 52 and thegeometry of first protrusion 70 is identical to second protrusion 72. Assuch, first electrical connector 18 can be rotated 180 degrees aboutfirst axis 48 and first electrical connector 18 and second electricalconnector 20 can still mate and connect. In this configuration, firstcutout 50 of first electrical connector 18 can accept second protrusion72 of second electrical connector 20 and second cutout 52 of firstelectrical connector 18 can accept first protrusion 70 of secondelectrical connector 20. First key 34 and second key 58 have matingfirst cutout 50, second cutout 52, first protrusion 70, and secondprotrusion 72, ensuring that first electrical connector 18 and secondelectrical connector 20 are correctly connected to each other and thefull amount of electrical current can transfer through connectors 18,20.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of third electrical connector 22. FIG. 5Bis a front view of third electrical connector 22. FIG. 6A is aperspective view of fourth electrical connector 24. FIG. 6B is a frontview of fourth electrical connector 24. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectionalview of third electrical connector 22 and fourth electrical connector 24disconnected. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of third electricalconnector 22 and fourth electrical connector 24 connected. FIGS. 5A-7Bwill be discussed together.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, third electrical connector 22 includes thirdbody 74, third flange 76, third key 78, third threaded insert 80, fourththreaded insert 82, third end face 84, second seal 86, third metallicconnector 88, and third aperture 90. Third body 74 is the main bodyportion of third electrical connector 22 that the other components ofthird electrical connector 22 are coupled. Third flange 76 is positionedadjacent third body 74 and third flange 76 extends radially outward fromthird body 74. Third flange 76 includes apertures extending throughthird flange 76, in which third threaded insert 80 and fourth threadedinsert 82 are positioned. Third threaded insert 80 and fourth threadedinsert 82 are configured to accept and mate with fasteners, discussedfurther below. Third threaded insert 80 is positioned 180 degrees fromfourth threaded insert 82 about third axis 92. In some examples, thirdthreaded insert 80 and fourth threaded insert 82 can be molded intothird flange 76 during manufacturing of third electrical connector 22.In other examples, third threaded insert 80 and fourth threaded insert82 can be coupled to third flange 76 after manufacturing of thirdelectrical connector 22.

Third key 78 is positioned adjacent third flange 76 and third key 78extends axially outward from third flange 76 and third body 74, withrespect to third axis 92 extending through a center of third flange 76and third body 74. Third key 78 is generally cylindrical in shape andincludes third cutout 94 and fourth cutout 96 extending from third endface 84 of third key 78 to third flange 76. In the example shown, thirdcutout 94 and fourth cutout 96 include a generally triangular shapedcutout extending into the cylindrically shaped third key 78. In anotherexample, third cutout 94 and fourth cutout 96 can have any desiredshape, as long as third cutout 94 and fourth cutout 96 have identicalshaped geometry. Third cutout 94 is positioned 180 degrees from fourthcutout 96 about third axis 92. Third end face 84 of third key 78 ispositioned at a distal end of third key 78. Second seal 86 is positionedadjacent the location in which third key 78 interfaces with third flange76 and second seal 86 surrounds a circumference of third key 78. Secondseal 86 is configured to prevent debris from entering third electricalconnector 22 when third electrical connector 22 is connected to fourthelectrical connector 24. In the example shown, second seal 86 is anO-ring seal, but in another example, second seal 86 can be any componentthat prevents debris from entering third electrical connector 22 whenthird electrical connector 22 is connected to fourth electricalconnector 24.

Third end face 84 is configured to cover third metallic connector 88,preventing a user from touching third metallic connector 88. Thirdmetallic connector 88 is a female connector positioned within third body74 and third key 78 of third electrical connector 22. Third metallicconnector 88 is the component that electrically couples third electricalconnector 22 to fourth electrical connector 24, allowing electriccurrent to transfer between each connector. A user touching thirdmetallic connector 88 and fourth metallic connector 108 of fourthelectrical connector 24 at the same time can result in an electricalcircuit being completed, which could shock or harm the user. As such,third end face 84 is configured to prevent the user from touching thirdmetallic connector 88 and harming themselves during connecting ordisconnecting of third electrical connector 22 and fourth electricalconnector 24. Third aperture 90 is axially aligned with third axis 92and third aperture 90 extends through third end face 84. Third aperture90 allows access to third metallic connector 88, allowing fourthmetallic connector 108 of fourth electrical connector 24 to interfacewith third metallic connector 88, discussed further below. Thirdelectrical connector 22 is configured to mate with fourth electricalconnector 24 to complete an electrical circuit, allowing electriccurrent to transfer from third electrical connector 22 to fourthelectrical connector 24. Further, third electrical connector 22 issymmetric about a plane extending through a center axis of thirdthreaded insert 80 and a center axis of fourth threaded insert 82,allowing third electrical connector 22 to be rotated 180 degrees aboutthird axis 92 and still mate and couple with fourth electrical connector24.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6B, fourth electrical connector 24 includes fourthbody 98, fourth flange 100, fourth key 102, third fastener 104, fourthfastener 106, fourth metallic connector 108, and fourth aperture 110.Fourth body 98 is the main body portion of fourth electrical connector24 that the other components of fourth electrical connector 24 arecoupled. Fourth flange 100 is positioned adjacent fourth body 98 andfourth flange 100 extends radially outward from fourth body 98. Fourthflange 100 includes apertures extending through fourth flange 100, inwhich third fastener 104 and fourth fastener 106 are positioned. Thirdfastener 104 and fourth fastener 106 are configured to mate with thirdthreaded insert 80 and fourth threaded insert 82 of third electricalconnector 22, respectively. Third fastener 104 is positioned 180 degreesfrom fourth fastener 106 about fourth axis 112.

Fourth key 102 is positioned within fourth flange 100 and fourth body98. More specifically, fourth key 102 extends axially inward into fourthflange 100 and fourth body 98, with respect to fourth axis 112 extendingthrough a center of fourth flange 100 and fourth body 98. Fourth key 102is generally cylindrical in shape and includes third protrusion 114 andfourth protrusion 116 extending inward toward fourth axis 112. In theexample shown, third protrusion 114 and fourth protrusion 116 include agenerally triangular shaped protrusion extending inward from thecylindrically shaped fourth key 102. In another example, thirdprotrusion 114 and fourth protrusion 116 can have any desired shape, aslong as third protrusion 114 and fourth protrusion 116 have identicalshaped geometry. Third protrusion 114 is positioned 180 degrees fromfourth protrusion 116 about fourth axis 112.

Fourth aperture 110 is axially aligned with fourth axis 112 and fourthaperture 110 extends into fourth body 98. Fourth aperture 110 provides alocation in which fourth metallic connector 108 can be coupled. Fourthmetallic connector 108 is a male connector positioned within fourthaperture 110 of fourth body 98 and fourth key 102 of fourth electricalconnector 24. Fourth metallic connector 108 is the component thatelectrically couples fourth electrical connector 24 to third electricalconnector 22, allowing electric current to transfer between eachconnector. More specifically, fourth metallic connector 108 of fourthelectrical connector 24 is inserted into third metallic connector 88 ofthird electrical connector 22 to complete an electric circuit and totransfer electric current between third electrical connector 22 andfourth electrical connector 24. Fourth electrical connector 24 isconfigured to mate with and be coupled to third electrical connector 22during operation of heated hose assembly 10, discussed further below.Further, fourth electrical connector 24 is symmetric about a planeextending through a center axis of third fastener 104 and a center axisof fourth fastener 106, allowing fourth electrical connector 24 to berotated 180 degrees about fourth axis 112 and still mate and couple withthird electrical connector 22.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, third electrical connector 22 is showndisconnected from fourth electrical connector 24 (FIG. 7A) and thirdelectrical connector 22 is shown connected to fourth electricalconnector 24 (FIG. 7B). When third electrical connector 22 isdisconnected from fourth electrical connector 24, the features and/orcomponents of third electrical connector 22 are separated from fourthelectrical connector 24 such that no electrical current is transferringbetween the connectors. When third electrical connector 22 is connectedto fourth electrical connector 24, the features and/or components ofthird electrical connector 22 are contacting the features and/orcomponents of fourth electrical connector 24 such that electricalcurrent can transfer between the connectors.

More specifically, when third electrical connector 22 and fourthelectrical connector 24 are connected, third flange 76 is adjacent andabuts fourth flange 100. Third fastener 104 is inserted into and securedto third threaded insert 80 and fourth fastener 106 is inserted into andsecured to fourth threaded insert 82. Securing fasteners 60, 62 tothreaded inserts 36, 38 ensures that third electrical connector 22 andfourth electrical connector 24 will remain secured together duringoperation of heated hose assembly 10. Second seal 86 is positioned andcompressed between third flange 76 and fourth flange 100, producing aforce that pushes third flange 76 and fourth flange 100 away from eachother. The force produced by second seal 86 causes third fastener 104and fourth fastener 106 to become tensioned, ensuring third fastener 104and fourth fastener 106 remain secured to third threaded insert 80 andfourth threaded insert 82, respectively.

Further, when third electrical connector 22 and fourth electricalconnector 24 are connected, third metallic connector 88 slides over andengages fourth metallic connector 108 such that third metallic connector88 encompasses fourth metallic connector 108. The engagement of thirdmetallic connector 88 and fourth metallic connector 108 creates anelectric path, allowing electric current to transfer from thirdelectrical connector 22 to fourth electrical connector 24, or viceversa. To ensure third electrical connector 22 is properly connected tofourth electrical connector 24, third key 78 is shaped to mate withfourth key 102 and third key 78 is inserted into fourth key 102. Morespecifically, third cutout 94 of third electrical connector 22 is shapedto accept third protrusion 114 of fourth electrical connector 24.Likewise, fourth cutout 96 of third electrical connector 22 is shaped toaccept fourth protrusion 116 of fourth electrical connector 24.

The geometry of third cutout 94 is identical to fourth cutout 96 and thegeometry of third protrusion 114 is identical to fourth protrusion 116.As such, third electrical connector 22 can be rotated 180 degrees aboutthird axis 92 and third electrical connector 22 and fourth electricalconnector 24 can still mate and connect. In this configuration, thirdcutout 94 of third electrical connector 22 can accept fourth protrusion116 of fourth electrical connector 24 and fourth cutout 96 of thirdelectrical connector 22 can accept third protrusion 114 of fourthelectrical connector 24. Third key 78 and fourth key 102 have matingthird cutout 94, fourth cutout 96, third protrusion 114, and fourthprotrusion 116, ensuring that third electrical connector 22 and fourthelectrical connector 24 are correctly connected to each other and thefull amount of electrical current can flow through connectors 22, 24.

As discussed, first key 34 of first electrical connector 18 isconfigured to mate with second key 58 of second electrical connector 20.More specifically, first cutout 50 and second cutout 52 of firstelectrical connector 18 are shaped to mate with first protrusion 70 andsecond protrusion 72 of second electrical connector 20. Likewise, thirdkey 78 of third electrical connector 22 is configured to mate withfourth key 102 of fourth electrical connector 24. More specifically,third cutout 94 and fourth cutout 96 of third electrical connector 22are shaped to mate with third protrusion 114 and fourth protrusion 116of fourth electrical connector 24. Therefore, first key 34, second key58, third key 78, and fourth key 102 ensure first electrical connector18 and second electrical connector 20 are correctly connected, andensure third electrical connector 22 and fourth electrical connector 24are correctly connected. Further, first key 34, second key 58, third key78, and fourth key 102 prevent first electrical connector 18 fromconnecting with fourth electrical connector 24, and prevent thirdelectrical connector 22 from connecting with second electrical connector20.

First electrical connector 18 includes first key 34 with a geometry thatdiffers from the geometry of third key 78 of third electrical connector22. Further, first electrical connector 18 includes first key 34 with ageometry that cannot mate with the geometry of fourth key 102 of fourthelectrical connector 24. More specifically, first cutout 50 and secondcutout 52 of first electrical connector 18 include a geometry that doesnot conform and mate with third protrusion 114 and fourth protrusion 116of fourth electrical connector 24. As such, first key 34 and fourth key102 cannot be connected, preventing first electrical connector 18 andfourth electrical connector 24 from being electrically coupled.Similarly, third electrical connector 22 includes third key 78 with ageometry that differs from the geometry of first key 34 of firstelectrical connector 18. Further, third electrical connector 22 includesthird key 78 with a geometry that cannot mate with the geometry ofsecond key 58 of second electrical connector 20. More specifically,third cutout 94 and fourth cutout 96 of third electrical connector 22include a geometry that does not conform and mate with first protrusion70 and second protrusion 72 of second electrical connector 20. As such,third key 78 and second key 58 cannot be connected, preventing thirdelectrical connector 22 and second electrical connector 20 from beingelectrically coupled.

Electrical connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24 including keys 34, 58, 78, and102, respectively, ensure that electrical connector system 12 of heatedhose assembly 10 is connected correctly. In turn, this ensure thatelectrical current and power is supplied to sufficiently heat firstheated hose 14 and second heated hose 16. The geometry of keys 34, 58,78, and 102 allows a user to easily and repeatedly connect electricalconnectors 18, 20, 22, and 24. Further, first end face 40 and third endface 84 prevent a user from touching first metallic connector 44 andthird electrical connector 22, preventing a user from completing theelectrical circuit and electrocuting themselves or others. Additionally,first threaded insert 36, second threaded insert 38, first fastener 60,and second fastener 62 ensure connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24 remainsecured together during operation of heated hose assembly 10, providingelectric current to first heated hose 14 and second heated hose 16.Electrical connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24 can be constructed from one ormore of a glass filled nylon, a glass filled plastic, and othercomposite materials, to meet nationally recognized safety andsustainability standards. Electrical connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24include keys 34, 58, 78, and 102, respectively, including differentmating geometries, ensuring connectors 18, 20, 22, and 24 can only beconnected in the correct configuration to provide the requisiteelectrical current and power to the independently heated first heatedhose 14 and second heated hose 16.

Heated hose assembly 10 utilizes electrical connector system 12 toincrease the temperature of the first fluid component and the secondfluid component flowing through the conduits of first heated hose 14 andsecond heated hose 16, respectively. An example method of operatingheated hose assembly 10 can include providing first heated hose 14configured to transfer a first fluid component, first heated hose 14comprising first electrical connector 18 and second electrical connector20 each electrically coupled to heating elements of first heated hose14. Providing second heated hose 16 configured to transfer a secondfluid component, second heated hose 16 comprising third electricalconnector 22 and fourth electrical connector 24 each electricallycoupled to heating elements of second heated hose 16. Electricallycoupling first electrical connector 18 to second electrical connector 20such that first key 34 of first electrical connector 18 mates withsecond key 58 of second electrical connector 20. Electrically couplingthird electrical connector 22 to fourth electrical connector 24 suchthat third key 78 of third electrical connector 22 mates with fourth key102 of fourth electrical connector 24. Supplying a first electriccurrent through first electrical connector 18 and second electricalconnector 20 to increase a temperature of the first fluid componenttransferring through first heated hose 14. Supplying a second electriccurrent through third electrical connector 22 and fourth electricalconnector 24 to increase a temperature of the second fluid componenttransferring through second heated hose 16.

The method can further include providing first threaded insert 36 andsecond threaded insert 38 within first flange 32 of first electricalconnector 18. Providing first fastener 60 and second fastener 62extending through second flange 56 of second electrical connector 20.Threading first fastener 60 and second fastener 62 into first threadedinsert 36 and second threaded insert 38, respectively, to couple firstelectrical connector 18 to second electrical connector 20. Providingthird threaded insert 80 and fourth threaded insert 82 within thirdflange 76 of third electrical connector 22. Providing third fastener 104and fourth fastener 106 extending through fourth flange 100 of fourthelectrical connector 24. Threading third fastener 104 and fourthfastener 106 into third threaded insert 80 and fourth threaded insert82, respectively, to couple third electrical connector 22 to fourthelectrical connector 24. It is to be understood that the precedingmethod steps for increasing the temperature of first heated hose 14 andsecond heated hose 16 are only example steps and the method can includeother steps not specifically described.

Discussion of Non-Exclusive Examples

The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible examples of thepresent invention.

An electrical connector system comprising: a first electrical connectorcomprising a first key; a second electrical connector comprising asecond key shaped to mate with the first key; a third electricalconnector comprising a third key; and a fourth electrical connectorcomprising a fourth key shaped to mate with the third key; wherein ageometry of the first key differs from a geometry of the third key, andwherein a geometry of the second key differs from a geometry of thefourth key.

The electrical connector system of the preceding paragraph canoptionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or moreof the following features, configurations and/or additional components:

The first electrical connector is a male connector and the secondelectrical connector is a female connector, and wherein the firstelectrical connector is configured to mate and connect with the secondelectrical connector.

The third electrical connector is a male connector and the fourthelectrical connector is a female connector, and wherein the thirdelectrical connector is configured to mate and connect with the fourthelectrical connector.

The first electrical connector further comprises a first body and afirst flange extending radially outward from the first body; and thesecond electrical connector further comprises a second body and a secondflange extending radially outward from the second body.

A first threaded insert and a second threaded insert are positionedwithin the first flange of the first electrical connector; and a firstfastener and a second fastener are positioned within and extend throughthe second flange of the second electrical connector.

The first threaded insert is coupled to the first fastener when thefirst electrical connector and the second electrical connector areconnected; and the second threaded insert is coupled to the secondfastener when the first electrical connector and the second electricalconnector are connected.

The third electrical connector further comprises a third body and athird flange extending radially outward from the third body; and thefourth electrical connector further comprises a fourth body and a fourthflange extending radially outward from the fourth body.

A third threaded insert and a fourth threaded insert are positionedwithin the third flange of the third electrical connector; and a thirdfastener and a fourth fastener are positioned within and extend throughthe fourth flange of the fourth electrical connector.

The third threaded insert is coupled to the third fastener when thethird electrical connector and the fourth electrical connector areconnected; and the fourth threaded insert is coupled to the fourthfastener when the third electrical connector and the fourth electricalconnector are connected.

The first key comprises a first cutout and a second cutout extendingfrom a first end face of the first electrical connector to a firstflange of the first electrical connector; and the second key comprises afirst protrusion and a second protrusion extending into a secondaperture of a second body of the second electrical connector.

The first cutout is positioned 180 degrees from the second cutout abouta first axis extending through a first aperture of the first electricalconnector; and the first protrusion is positioned 180 degrees from thesecond protrusion about a second axis extending through the secondaperture of the second electrical connector.

The first cutout includes a geometry identical to the second cutout; thefirst protrusion includes a geometry identical to the second protrusion;the first cutout is shaped to accept the first protrusion and the secondcutout is shaped to accept the second protrusion; and the first cutoutis shaped to accept the second protrusion and the second cutout isshaped to accept the first protrusion.

The third key comprises a third cutout and a fourth cutout extendingfrom a third end face of the third electrical connector to a thirdflange of the third electrical connector; and the fourth key comprises athird protrusion and a fourth protrusion extending into a fourthaperture of a fourth body of the fourth electrical connector.

The third cutout is positioned 180 degrees from the fourth cutout abouta third axis extending through a third aperture of the third electricalconnector; and the third protrusion is positioned 180 degrees from thefourth protrusion about a fourth axis extending through the fourthaperture of the fourth electrical connector.

The third cutout includes a geometry identical to the fourth cutout; thethird protrusion includes a geometry identical to the fourth protrusion;the third cutout is shaped to accept the third protrusion and the fourthcutout is shaped to accept the fourth protrusion; and the third cutoutis shaped to accept the fourth protrusion and the fourth cutout isshaped to accept the third protrusion.

The geometry of the first cutout differs from the third cutout and thefourth cutout; the geometry of the second cutout differs from the thirdcutout and the fourth cutout; the geometry of the first protrusiondiffers from the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion; and thegeometry of the second protrusion differs from the third protrusion andthe fourth protrusion.

The following are further non-exclusive descriptions of possibleexamples of the present invention.

A heated hose assembly comprising: a first heated hose configured totransfer a first fluid component; a second heated hose configured totransfer a second fluid component; a first electrical connectorelectrically coupled to heating elements of the first heated hose, thefirst electrical connector comprising a first key; a second electricalconnector electrically coupled to heating elements of the first heatedhose, the second electrical connector comprising a second key shaped tomate with the first key; a third electrical connector electricallycoupled to heating elements of the second heated hose, the thirdelectrical connector comprising a third key; a fourth electricalconnector electrically coupled to heating elements of the second heatedhose, the fourth electrical connector comprising a fourth key shaped tomate with the third key.

The heated hose assembly of the preceding paragraph can optionallyinclude, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of thefollowing features, configurations and/or additional components:

The first electrical connector further comprises a first body, a firstflange extending radially outward from the first body, a first threadedinsert positioned within the first flange, and a second threaded insertpositioned within the flange; and the second electrical connectorfurther comprises a second body, a second flange extending radiallyoutward from the second body, a first fastener extending through thesecond flange, and a second fastener extending through the secondflange.

The first electrical connector is symmetric about a plane extendingthrough a center axis of the first threaded insert and a center axis ofthe second threaded insert; and the second electrical connector issymmetric about a plane extending through a center axis of the firstfastener and a center axis of the second fastener.

The first key of the first electrical connector comprises a first cutoutand a second cutout having identical geometry; the second key of thesecond electrical connector comprises a first protrusion and a secondprotrusion having identical geometry; the third key of the thirdelectrical connector comprises a third cutout and a fourth cutout havingidentical geometry; the fourth key of the fourth electrical connectorcomprises a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion having identicalgeometry; the first cutout is shaped to accept the first protrusion andthe second cutout is shaped to accept the second protrusion; the thirdcutout is shaped to accept the third protrusion and the fourth cutout isshaped to accept the fourth protrusion; the geometry of the first cutoutdiffers from the geometry of the third cutout and the geometry of fourthcutout; and the geometry of the first protrusion differs from thegeometry of the third protrusion and the geometry of the fourthprotrusion.

The following are further non-exclusive descriptions of possibleexamples of the present invention.

A method of operating a heated hose assembly, the method comprising:providing a first heated hose configured to transfer a first fluidcomponent, the first heated hose comprising a first electrical connectorand a second electrical connector each electrically coupled to heatingelements of the first heated hose; providing a second heated hoseconfigured to transfer a second fluid component, the second heated hosecomprising a third electrical connector and a fourth electricalconnector each electrically coupled to heating elements of the secondheated hose; electrically coupling the first electrical connector to thesecond electrical connector such that a first key of the firstelectrical connector mates with a second key of the second electricalconnector; electrically coupling the third electrical connector to thefourth electrical connector such that a third key of the thirdelectrical connector mates with a fourth key of the fourth electricalconnector; supplying a first electric current through the firstelectrical connector and the second electrical connector to increase atemperature of the first fluid component transferring through the firstheated hose; and supplying a second electric current through the thirdelectrical connector and the fourth electrical connector to increase atemperature of the second fluid component transferring through thesecond heated hose.

The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include,additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the followingfeatures, configurations and/or additional components:

Providing a first threaded insert and a second threaded insert within afirst flange of the first electrical connector; providing a firstfastener and a second fastener extending through a second flange of thesecond electrical connector; threading the first fastener and the secondfastener into the first threaded insert and the second threaded insert,respectively, to couple the first electrical connector to the secondelectrical connector; providing a third threaded insert and a fourththreaded insert within a third flange of the third electrical connector;providing a third fastener and a fourth fastener extending through afourth flange of the fourth electrical connector; and threading thethird fastener and the fourth fastener into the third threaded insertand the fourth threaded insert, respectively, to couple the thirdelectrical connector to the fourth electrical connector.

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplaryembodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that theinvention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of theappended claims.

1. An electrical connector system comprising: a first electricalconnector comprising a first key; a second electrical connectorcomprising a second key shaped to mate with the first key; a thirdelectrical connector comprising a third key; and a fourth electricalconnector comprising a fourth key shaped to mate with the third key;wherein a geometry of the first key differs from a geometry of the thirdkey, and wherein a geometry of the second key differs from a geometry ofthe fourth key.
 2. The electrical connector system of claim 1, wherein:the first electrical connector is a male connector and the secondelectrical connector is a female connector; the first electricalconnector is configured to mate and connect with the second electricalconnector; the third electrical connector is a male connector and thefourth electrical connector is a female connector; and the thirdelectrical connector is configured to mate and connect with the fourthelectrical connector.
 3. The electrical connector system of claim 1,wherein: the first electrical connector further comprises a first bodyand a first flange extending radially outward from the first body; andthe second electrical connector further comprises a second body and asecond flange extending radially outward from the second body.
 4. Theelectrical connector system of claim 3, wherein: a first threaded insertand a second threaded insert are positioned within the first flange ofthe first electrical connector; and a first fastener and a secondfastener are positioned within and extend through the second flange ofthe second electrical connector.
 5. The electrical connector system ofclaim 4, wherein: the first threaded insert is coupled to the firstfastener when the first electrical connector and the second electricalconnector are connected; and the second threaded insert is coupled tothe second fastener when the first electrical connector and the secondelectrical connector are connected.
 6. The electrical connector systemof claim 1, wherein: the third electrical connector further comprises athird body and a third flange extending radially outward from the thirdbody; and the fourth electrical connector further comprises a fourthbody and a fourth flange extending radially outward from the fourthbody.
 7. The electrical connector system of claim 6, wherein: a thirdthreaded insert and a fourth threaded insert are positioned within thethird flange of the third electrical connector; and a third fastener anda fourth fastener are positioned within and extend through the fourthflange of the fourth electrical connector.
 8. The electrical connectorsystem of claim 7, wherein: the third threaded insert is coupled to thethird fastener when the third electrical connector and the fourthelectrical connector are connected; and the fourth threaded insert iscoupled to the fourth fastener when the third electrical connector andthe fourth electrical connector are connected.
 9. The electricalconnector system of claim 1, wherein: the first key comprises a firstcutout and a second cutout extending from a first end face of the firstelectrical connector to a first flange of the first electricalconnector; and the second key comprises a first protrusion and a secondprotrusion extending into a second aperture of a second body of thesecond electrical connector.
 10. The electrical connector system ofclaim 9, wherein: the first cutout is positioned 180 degrees from thesecond cutout about a first axis extending through a first aperture ofthe first electrical connector; and the first protrusion is positioned180 degrees from the second protrusion about a second axis extendingthrough the second aperture of the second electrical connector.
 11. Theelectrical connector system of claim 9, wherein: the first cutoutincludes a geometry identical to the second cutout; the first protrusionincludes a geometry identical to the second protrusion; the first cutoutis shaped to accept the first protrusion and the second cutout is shapedto accept the second protrusion; and the first cutout is shaped toaccept the second protrusion and the second cutout is shaped to acceptthe first protrusion.
 12. The electrical connector system of claim 9,wherein: the third key comprises a third cutout and a fourth cutoutextending from a third end face of the third electrical connector to athird flange of the third electrical connector; and the fourth keycomprises a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion extending into afourth aperture of a fourth body of the fourth electrical connector. 13.The electrical connector system of claim 12, wherein: the third cutoutis positioned 180 degrees from the fourth cutout about a third axisextending through a third aperture of the third electrical connector;and the third protrusion is positioned 180 degrees from the fourthprotrusion about a fourth axis extending through the fourth aperture ofthe fourth electrical connector.
 14. The electrical connector system ofclaim 12, wherein: the third cutout includes a geometry identical to thefourth cutout; the third protrusion includes a geometry identical to thefourth protrusion; the third cutout is shaped to accept the thirdprotrusion and the fourth cutout is shaped to accept the fourthprotrusion; and the third cutout is shaped to accept the fourthprotrusion and the fourth cutout is shaped to accept the thirdprotrusion.
 15. The electrical connector system of claim 14, wherein:the geometry of the first cutout differs from the third cutout and thefourth cutout; the geometry of the second cutout differs from the thirdcutout and the fourth cutout; the geometry of the first protrusiondiffers from the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion; and thegeometry of the second protrusion differs from the third protrusion andthe fourth protrusion.
 16. A heated hose assembly comprising: a firstheated hose configured to transfer a first fluid component; a secondheated hose configured to transfer a second fluid component; a firstelectrical connector electrically coupled to heating elements of thefirst heated hose, the first electrical connector comprising a firstkey; a second electrical connector electrically coupled to heatingelements of the first heated hose, the second electrical connectorcomprising a second key shaped to mate with the first key; a thirdelectrical connector electrically coupled to heating elements of thesecond heated hose, the third electrical connector comprising a thirdkey; a fourth electrical connector electrically coupled to heatingelements of the second heated hose, the fourth electrical connectorcomprising a fourth key shaped to mate with the third key.
 17. Theheated hose assembly of claim 16, wherein: the first electricalconnector further comprises a first body, a first flange extendingradially outward from the first body, a first threaded insert positionedwithin the first flange, and a second threaded insert positioned withinthe flange; and the second electrical connector further comprises asecond body, a second flange extending radially outward from the secondbody, a first fastener extending through the second flange, and a secondfastener extending through the second flange.
 18. The heated hoseassembly of claim 17, wherein: the first electrical connector issymmetric about a plane extending through a center axis of the firstthreaded insert and a center axis of the second threaded insert; and thesecond electrical connector is symmetric about a plane extending througha center axis of the first fastener and a center axis of the secondfastener.
 19. The heated hose assembly of claim 16, wherein: the firstkey of the first electrical connector comprises a first cutout and asecond cutout having identical geometry; the second key of the secondelectrical connector comprises a first protrusion and a secondprotrusion having identical geometry; the third key of the thirdelectrical connector comprises a third cutout and a fourth cutout havingidentical geometry; the fourth key of the fourth electrical connectorcomprises a third protrusion and a fourth protrusion having identicalgeometry; the first cutout is shaped to accept the first protrusion andthe second cutout is shaped to accept the second protrusion; the thirdcutout is shaped to accept the third protrusion and the fourth cutout isshaped to accept the fourth protrusion; the geometry of the first cutoutdiffers from the geometry of the third cutout and the geometry of fourthcutout; and the geometry of the first protrusion differs from thegeometry of the third protrusion and the geometry of the fourthprotrusion.
 20. A method of operating a heated hose assembly, the methodcomprising: providing a first heated hose configured to transfer a firstfluid component, the first heated hose comprising a first electricalconnector and a second electrical connector each electrically coupled toheating elements of the first heated hose; providing a second heatedhose configured to transfer a second fluid component, the second heatedhose comprising a third electrical connector and a fourth electricalconnector each electrically coupled to heating elements of the secondheated hose; electrically coupling the first electrical connector to thesecond electrical connector such that a first key of the firstelectrical connector mates with a second key of the second electricalconnector; electrically coupling the third electrical connector to thefourth electrical connector such that a third key of the thirdelectrical connector mates with a fourth key of the fourth electricalconnector; supplying a first electric current through the firstelectrical connector and the second electrical connector to increase atemperature of the first fluid component transferring through the firstheated hose; and supplying a second electric current through the thirdelectrical connector and the fourth electrical connector to increase atemperature of the second fluid component transferring through thesecond heated hose.